If you want your children to grow into capable, confident, and successful adults, here’s one of the simplest—and most powerful—things you can do: give them chores.
At Journey Education, a Las Vegas private school serving K–8th grade students, we believe raising responsible, thoughtful kids starts at home, and continues through a school experience that supports the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally. And when it comes to building confidence and character, regular household chores are a great place to begin.
Yes, your kids will probably complain (they’re kids, after all), but the science is clear: having responsibilities early in life sets children up for long-term success.
What the Research Shows
A Harvard Grant Study—one of the longest-running studies on human development—tracked people for more than 75 years to understand what creates a fulfilling, successful life. It identified two key ingredients:
- Love and connection
- A strong work ethic
That second one, work ethic, develops from meaningful contribution. From rolling up your sleeves and pitching in.
Julie Lythcott-Haims, former Stanford dean and a champion of values-based parenting, said in her TED Talk:
“The earlier kids start doing chores, the better. A ‘pitch-in’ mindset that says, ‘There’s work to do, I’ll do it’—that’s what gets them ahead in life.”
This “I can help” mindset is exactly what we nurture in our students through whole-child education and real-life learning.
Let Them Do It (Even if They Do It Badly)
Teaching responsibility means allowing kids to do things imperfectly. Even when you could do it faster or better yourself. Whether it’s emptying the dishwasher or folding laundry, it’s not just about the chore, it’s about the message: You are a capable, contributing member of this family.
It’s a lesson we reinforce at school, too. Children thrive when they are expected to contribute and are supported in doing so.
“By making them do chores,” Lythcott-Haims says, “they realize, I have to do the work of life in order to be part of life.”
Raising Capable Kids at Home and at School
At Journey Education, a K–8th grade private school in Las Vegas, we don’t just focus on academics. We focus on building self-reliant, compassionate, and capable young people—kids who know how to work through challenges, help others, and take pride in their effort.
That’s what a whole-child education looks like. That’s what truly prepares students for life.
Want more real-world parenting tips and insights?
Browse our blog for helpful posts on child development, growth mindset, and supporting your child’s success at home and in school.
Looking for a Las Vegas private school that focuses on the whole child?
Visit journeyeducation.org to learn more about our K–8th grade program, our values, and how we support students academically and emotionally.
